THE Bishop of Chester, the Rt Revd Mark Tanner, has intervened in a rural parish dispute after flyers were distributed around Chester Cathedral on Easter Day.
The Whitchurch Herald reported last week that flyers listing complaints against the Rector of St Oswald’s, Malpas, the Revd Dr Janine Arnott, had been glued to the cathedral.
Bishop Tanner wrote in a letter to the PCC that the leaflets were “anonymous, factually incorrect, libellous, and sought by forgery to impersonate a bishop”, the newspaper reported.
“We who have a long-term concern for the life and work of St Oswald’s Church need to realise how this behaviour will appear to any candidates in the future who are considering moving to serve the village. If we wish to present a different image, we must take action to express the kind of community we believe ourselves to be.
“I am, of course, aware that there are other issues of concern in the church and village, and am fully engaged with every valid concern that is raised,” the letter said.
A separate letter to the PCC from the diocesan legal team, which was leaked to the Whitchurch Herald along with Bishop Tanner’s letter, described the campaign as “unlawful and inexcusable harassment”.
Complaints against Dr Arnott related to the church choir and access to the bell tower, together with accusations that her style of working had been “authoritarian”, the paper reports.
A diocesan spokesperson said: “We are concerned and deeply saddened by the ongoing tensions within parts of the Malpas church community which have presented significant challenges within the parish. The Bishop of Chester has been involved in responding to these matters and actively seeking a resolution.
“It is entirely appropriate for parishioners to raise concerns or seek clarification on leadership and pastoral matters, however, there appears to be an intention by some to cause damage, disruption, and division.
“The police and other authorities are now involved due to the nature and content of these activities. The Rector is receiving appropriate support and will not be commenting publicly.
“We continue to pray for healing and understanding within the parish and ask all involved to engage respectfully and constructively.”